Our Rich Island History
Start your Caribbean vacation with some interesting facts about Barbados:
- Barbados was colonized by the English in the early 17th century
- Before then, Barbados was inhabited by Carib and Arawak Native Americans
- Transformed by the plantation system, Barbados was the world’s number one sugar producer by 1650
- After securing its independence from the UK in 1966, Barbados is the oldest continuing parliamentary democracy outside England
- Barbados is less than one million years old and was created by the collision of the Atlantic crystal and Caribbean plates, helped along by a volcanic eruption
- Barbados is the easternmost Caribbean island, measuring 166 square miles
- The Capital of Barbados is Bridgetown
- Eleven of Barbados’ parishes are named after Saints:
| Saint James | |
| Saint Andrew | Saint John |
| Saint Michael | Saint Thomas |
| Saint George | Saint Joseph |
| Saint Peter | Christ Church |
| Saint Philip | Saint Lucy |
Enrich your Barbados experience by visiting some of the island’s amazing historical sites, including Gun Hill Signal Station, the George Washington House and the Parliament Buildings in historic Bridgetown.
* Inquire about off-property tours and excursions at our on-site Guest Services desk.
